Poetica Erotica: A Collection of Rare and Curious Amatory Verse.
New York: Boni and Liveright, 1927. Limited Edition of 1,250 sets, this copy is unnumbered. Two octavos, xxviii, 389; 397-777 pages, finely bound in three-quarter brown leather over cloth-covered boards, signed by the binder, “Bound by Stikeman & Co., N.Y.” Spine with raised bands, gilt lettering, and gilt-decorated compartments. Boards ruled in gilt. Top edges gilt. Marbled endpapers. Poetica Erotica: A Collection of Rare and Curious Amatory Verse is a notable early 20th-century anthology of erotic and amatory poetry, edited by T. R. Smith and issued in 1927 as a two-volume limited edition for subscribers. Drawing together a wide range of verse on love, desire, sensuality, and sexual satire, the collection reflects both the libertine literary tradition and the era’s fascination with privately printed, semi-clandestine, and deliberately provocative books. The set is also of interest for its distinguished roster of contributors, which includes figures such as Byron, Burton, Wilde, Millay, Lawrence, Pound, Eliot, and Aleister Crowley, making it appealing not only to collectors of erotica but also to those interested in modern literature, decadent writing, and the history of controversial publishing. In a Stikeman binding, the set gains additional appeal as an example of fine American decorative bookbinding. Some slight rubbing, wear, and discoloration. Previous owner's inscription. Corners slightly bumped, else in very good condition. Item #264
Price: $375.00